"They're invaluable to us as a department," Gaudett told the council's Budget Committee. "I would resist strongly any discussion (of that proposal)."

Gaudett was the latest department head to spend an evening with the committee reviewing Mayor Bill Finch's proposed $519.9 million budget, which would carry an average tax increase of $400 for homeowners and $981 for businesses.

On Wednesday, one elected official suggested the horse cops are a luxury.

Councilman John Olson, D-132, at Wednesday's meeting said, "I love the horses (but) is this something we can afford to do?"

Seven horses and six riders make up the unit. Gaudett could not immediately say how much the operation costs, but the budget does indicate the city spends around $36,000 for a stable attendant.

Olson noted other administrations have not funded mounted police. After being eliminated in the 1980s, the unit was revived in 1998, according to the city.

"The unit was brought back as the department's staffing levels improved and to aid in the overall challenge to improve the city's image," states the website.